Search Results (55)

Sericulture sustains rural livelihoods in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where it provides income for women, elderly workers, and smallholder households. Yet this sector faces a critical technological divide: traditional reeling methods remain labor-intensive and uncompetitive, while industrial innovations advance along trajectories that are poorly suited to low-resource contexts. This article presents a patent landscape of silk-reeling technologies retrieved from Espacenet and PATENTSCOPE (2000–2024), comprising 212 unique records. Patents were evaluated against six criteria: resource efficiency, knowledge accessibility, durability and reparability, context adaptability, equity and inclusion, and by-product valorization. This review reveals a strong industrial bias, with most patents emphasizing energy-intensive steaming, mechanized feeding, and digital control, while only a small fraction addresses rural conditions or social inclusion. Current innovations therefore tend to marginalize traditional producers from emerging bio-based value chains. This study contributes to discussions on how technological design can support rural sericulture, highlighting the need for resource-efficient, modular, and socially inclusive solutions. Future research should extend patent analysis to mulberry cultivation, silkworm breeding, and by-product recovery to fully integrate sericulture into the circular bioeconomy. Full article

The increasing complexity of the Edge–Cloud Continuum (ECC), driven by the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and data-intensive applications, necessitates implementing innovative methods for automated and efficient system management. In this context, recent studies focused on the utilization of self-* capabilities that can be used to enhance system autonomy and increase operational proactiveness. Separately, anomaly detection and adaptive sampling techniques have been explored to optimize data transmission and improve systems’ reliability. The integration of those techniques within a single, lightweight, and extendable self-optimization module is the main subject of this contribution. The module was designed to be well suited for distributed systems, composed of highly resource-constrained operational devices (e.g., wearable health monitors, IoT sensors in vehicles, etc.), where it can be utilized to self-adjust data monitoring and enhance the resilience of critical processes. The focus is put on the implementation of two core mechanisms, derived from the current state-of-the-art: (1) density-based anomaly detection in real-time resource utilization data streams, and (2) a dynamic adaptive sampling technique, which employs Probabilistic Exponential Weighted Moving Average. The performance of the proposed module was validated using both synthetic and real-world datasets, which included a sample collected from the target infrastructure. The main goal of the experiments was to showcase the effectiveness of the implemented techniques in different, close to real-life scenarios. Moreover, the results of the performed experiments were compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms in order to examine their advantages and inherent limitations. With the emphasis put on frugality and real-time operation, this contribution offers a novel perspective on resource-aware autonomic optimization for next-generation ECC. Full article

Throughout history, cultural heritage has accumulated, and is often embodied in monuments, structures, and notable figures. Cultural heritage preservation and management also include digitalization, allowing tangible monuments to be managed as digital inventory with “digital twins”. This provides innovative ways to experience and interact with the real world, in particular by using modern mobile devices. The digitalization of monuments opens new ways to produce decorative items based on the shape of the monuments. Usually, decorative items are produced by craft businesses, family-run for generations, with specialized skills in metal and stone processing. We developed and tested a methodological proposal for frugal innovation: how to produce decorative items with minimal costs based on digital twins, which are particularly in demand in tourism-driven countries like Croatia. A micro-business with three employees, specializing in “metal art,” aims to innovate and expand by producing small-scale replicas of cultural heritage objects, such as busts, statues, monuments, or profiles. A method has been developed to create replicas in the desired material and at a desired scale, faithfully reproducing the original—whether based on a physical object, 3D model, or photograph. The results demonstrate that this sustainable frugal innovation can be successfully implemented using affordable tools and licenses. Full article

Accurately detecting rice panicles in complex field environments remains challenging due to their small size, dense distribution, diverse growth directions, and easy confusion with the background. To accurately detect rice panicles, this study proposes OE-YOLO, an enhanced framework derived from YOLOv11, incorporating three synergistic innovations. First, oriented bounding boxes (OBB) replace horizontal bounding boxes (HBB) to precisely capture features of rice panicles across different heights and growth stages. Second, the backbone network is redesigned with EfficientNetV2, leveraging its compound scaling strategy to balance multi-scale feature extraction and computational efficiency. Third, a C3k2_DConv module improved by dynamic convolution is introduced, enabling input-adaptive kernel fusion to amplify discriminative features while suppressing background interference. Extensive experiments on rice Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery demonstrate OE-YOLO’s superiority, achieving 86.9% mAP50 and surpassing YOLOv8-obb and YOLOv11 by 2.8% and 8.3%, respectively, with only 2.45 M parameters and 4.8 GFLOPs. The model has also been validated at flight heights of 3 m and 10 m and during the heading and filling stages, achieving mAP50 improvements of 8.3%, 6.9%, 6.7%, and 16.6% compared to YOLOv11, respectively, demonstrating the generalization capability of the model. These advancements demonstrated OE-YOLO as a computationally frugal yet highly accurate solution for real-time crop monitoring, addressing critical needs in precision agriculture for robust, oriented detection under resource constraints. Full article

Thalassemia and sickle cell disease remain the most common life-threatening non-communicable diseases in children worldwide and an increasing burden on affected families and health services. Significant progress has been made in terms of technologies to improve access to a cure by both allogeneic and autologous gene-modified hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, the high cost of cutting-edge treatments often places them beyond the reach of individual families or even national healthcare systems. Advances in frugal innovation and simplified HSCT procedures for low-risk transplants have significantly reduced the costs and complexities associated with HSCT without compromising on quality and outcomes. Because of the geographical distribution of hemoglobinopathies, i.e., largely in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), HSCT cost optimization has the potential to impact a huge number of patients, increasing hope for a cure and health-related quality of life normalization, which in turn may affect supportive care compliance. Furthermore, because of the high burden of disease, LMIC transplant centers are rapidly increasing in number and developing unique expertise for the cure of thalassemia and sickle cell disease, particularly in India, where the Sankalp India Foundation with the support of DKMS and Cure2Children has implemented several cost-conscious transplant services. In fact, the very high success rate, increasing cost-effectiveness of transplantation, as well as the chronic nature of these conditions make them ideal initial candidates for start-up transplant centers, so it is likely that the global capacity for a cure for severe hemoglobinopathies will substantially increase in the years to come. Full article

Innovative entrepreneurship has increasingly been acknowledged as one of the most vital drivers of economic development, job creation at high value, wealth creation, and business growth. This study analyzes the current status and evolution of research on innovative entrepreneurship and sustainability in the context of emerging economies, based on a bibliometric analysis of 132 articles indexed in the Web of Science database. The search was guided by relevant keywords, such as “innovative entrepreneurship*” and “sustainab*”. Systemic barriers limit the scalability of innovative ventures, especially in developing countries. Frugal and green innovations, digital technologies, and rural enterprises show promise but face challenges like resource constraints, ethical concerns, and policy gaps. Collaborative, equity-focused approaches are essential to ensure entrepreneurship drives sustainable and inclusive development. Further studies should expand the data source, increase the pool of articles, and develop cross-country comparisons to enhance global understanding. This may lead to a better understanding of innovative entrepreneurship and sustainability that can be used to create actionable strategies for development in various economic contexts. Full article

Digitalization has forced emerging market (EM) firms operating in resource-constrained environments to adopt market-driven strategies, particularly frugal innovation, to provide affordable, optimized processes and high-value solutions. However, understanding the mechanisms behind developing frugal innovation capability (FIC) at the firm level in diverse EMs remains limited. From the perspective of the resource-based view, this study added to the existing body of knowledge by exploring how strategic orientation (entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and market orientation (MO)) and organizational ambidexterity (OA) impact the development of FIC in EMs. To empirically validate our theoretical predictions, this study used a cross-sectional survey to collect data from 386 valid respondents from Tanzanian manufacturing firms. The results demonstrate that both EO and MO have a strong and positive relationship with OA and the development of FIC in EMs. In addition, OA partially mediates the relationship of both EO and MO with the development of FIC. Furthermore, our results indicate that MO exerts a more significant impact on the development of FIC than EO in EMs. Managers of manufacturing firms in EMs can use these findings to review their strategic decisions and their exploitative and exploratory approaches to enhance supply chains, develop cost-effective technologies, and produce affordable offerings that cater to the preferences of price-conscious consumers in the digital age. Full article

Regional innovation systems (RISs) can stimulate knowledge sharing and collaboration, attracting investments and promoting economic and social progress. This is often linked to what is known as frugal innovation, involving small businesses developing and selling sustainable, low-cost products that meet local needs. This study aims to present and apply a model to measure regional innovation potential, using a multicriteria approach based on the principles of frugal innovation (FI). The analytical hierarchical process (AHP) was used to generate factor weights, enabling score calculation to provide insights into FI potential on a literature-based five-point scale. Data were collected in two stages: (i) from twelve main participants—working in a rural RIS—who responded to a questionnaire, and (ii) from cities through official government channels to collect information about their innovation development initiatives. The results reveal that the RIS analyzed still lacks assistance in the development of public policies to support the development of an innovative culture, indicating the need for appropriate mechanisms to boost innovation actions. The outputs of this study can help cities and regions to analyze their innovation potential, assist public managers in decision-making, support the creation of innovation-stimulating mechanisms, help RISs to address deficiencies, and promote local development. Full article

Frugal innovation offers cost-effective, demand-driven products for consumers in emerging markets. By leveraging this approach, enterprises can capitalize on opportunities, boost profits, and nurture beneficial consumer relationships. This study uses the transaction cost theory to explore how symbiotic relationships within environmental turbulence influence frugal innovation. The goal is to unravel the interconnected factors that drive high-performance frugal innovation, providing enterprises with a roadmap for seizing opportunities, enhancing profitability, and cultivating enduring consumer relationships. Data from 218 Chinese enterprises were collected through a survey and analyzed using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) methods. The research findings indicate that factors such as market dynamics, technological dynamics, collaboration with suppliers and customers, relationship governance, contract governance, and inter-organizational trust are not necessary prerequisites for high frugal innovation performance. Instead, the synergy among these factors is imperative for reaching elevated levels of frugal innovation performance. Furthermore, three distinct pathways to heightened frugal innovation performance were identified: a dual-drive mechanism involving membership relationships and governance mechanisms, a membership-driven approach in dynamic technological conditions, and a governance mechanism-driven approach in dynamic market conditions. This study offers valuable theoretical and practical insights for enterprises pursuing frugal innovation in turbulent environments, guiding them towards sustained growth and competitive advantages in new markets. Full article

This article deals with the under-researched phenomenon of rural health entrepreneurship and its major characteristics. The purpose of this study is to explicate the process of providing health services in rural areas of a developing country and their relation to SDGs. The paper is based on six semi-structured interviews conducted with Serbian health entrepreneurs in rural areas (two private practices, two policlinics, and two dental practices), a review of laws and strategies relevant to the field, and three sessions of discussions with eight experts (four authors and four additional experts). The research methodology follows an empirical, mixed-method case study research procedure. The results are presented in relation to the aspects of frugality, family orientation, and sustainability-oriented innovation. The timeline of the six case studies demonstrates the increasing importance of health entrepreneurs in rural areas due to the aging population and, therefore, increased needs for quality healthcare in these areas. The financing instruments have also become more formal and substantial in recent years, enabling the growth of healthcare businesses in rural areas. However, a major obstacle to further sustainable development remains the non-refundability of services before the state-owned, obligatory health fund, creating major social inequalities, especially in rural areas. Full article

Background: In the current global market, innovations are one of the tools of sustainable development. Therefore, companies must change their attitudes toward innovation strategies in accordance with international and national environmental standards, laws, and market requirements. We often come across, in particular, the evaluation of economic factors of sustainability, which cannot capture the attitudes of companies to the solved issue of the perception of innovation as a tool of sustainable development. Therefore, the Kano model and cluster analysis are used to evaluate the attitudes of Slovak small and medium-sized enterprises towards innovation, and the aim of this paper is to evaluate innovation as a tool of sustainability in enterprises in Slovakia. Methods: This article’s main research method is the Kano model and cluster analysis. Conclusions: The findings of this paper reveal how small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovakia perceive innovation as a tool for sustainable development. Based on the results, we can state the positive attitude of small and medium-sized enterprises towards innovations supporting sustainable development, focusing on frugal innovations characterized by cost reduction, as well as innovation targeting functions, standards, laws, and performance optimization. They perceive these innovations as attractive and their implementation in corporate structures as a basic function for sustainable development through innovation. Full article

The global population growth and the imperative to achieve decarbonization goals suggest a re-evaluation of conventional building design approaches. A shift towards sustainability, guided by the Triple Bottom Line principle, becomes essential. In this context, a design paradigm rooted in frugality and creativity can be a promising alternative. This study delves into the role of creative frugality within affordable housing. Through case studies, we showcase technological solutions designed following frugality and creativity. These solutions demonstrate key research findings, such as the relationship between sustainability, circular practices, and frugal, low-technology buildings. These findings are enabled by the concepts of flexibility, adaptability, and disassemblability. Full article

The evolution of base/bottom of the pyramid (BoP) literature from BoP 1.0 to 3.0 prompted the need for fresh theoretical perspectives to address complex and persistent social issues. This article investigates BoP through the lens of business model innovation, using a literature review along with bibliometric, network, and content analyses, to map the intellectual and conceptual structure and understand the key variables relating to BoP business models. The research encompasses 161 articles extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Documents were screened manually and with the assistance of VOS Viewer 1.6.18, Biblioshiny 4.0, IBM SPSS 20, UCINET6, and NVivo12, using abductive and deductive coding techniques. The findings reveal a prevailing focus on the exploratory phase among the articles, with a predominant utilization of qualitative research methods, particularly centered on case studies. Interviews and public data sources constitute the primary sources for supporting empirical evidence. Notably, the majority of these cases pertain to emerging economies situated across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with India emerging as the most frequently cited country in the literature. Sectors, such as energy, healthcare, agrifood, finance, and telecommunications are studied, emphasizing themes of innovation, entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Emerging themes include social entrepreneurship, frugal innovation, and inclusive business models. The research panorama encompasses a categorization of BoP enterprises based on their origin (top-down or bottom-up), their typology (commercial, assistance, or collaboration), and their interactions with BoP communities (either as customers or entrepreneurs). From an innovation standpoint, certain concepts emerged, notably frugal innovation and bricolage, accompanied by the incorporation of ecosystem theory and sustainability perspectives. The research also outlines a BoP business model framework, providing insights into key components favored by entrepreneurs in this realm. Full article

To improve accessibility, this article describes a static, four-legged walker that can be constructed from materials and fasteners commonly available from hardware stores coupled by open-source 3D-printed joints. The designs are described in detail, shared under an open-source license, and fabricated with a low-cost open-source desktop 3D printer and hand tools. The resulting device is loaded to failure to determine the maximum load that the design can safely support in both vertical and horizontal failure modes. The experimental results showed that the average vertical failure load capacity was 3680 ± 694.3 N, equivalent to 375.3 ± 70.8 kg of applied weight with the fractured location at the wood dowel handlebars. The average horizontal load capacity was 315.6 ± 49.4 N, equivalent to 32.2 ± 5.1 kg. The maximum weight capacity of a user of 187.1 ± 29.3 kg was obtained, which indicates that the open-source walker design can withstand the weight requirements of all genders with a 95% confidence interval that includes a safety factor of 1.8 when considering the lowest deviation weight capacity. The design has a cost at the bottom of the range of commercial walkers and reduces the mass compared to a commercial walker by 0.5 kg (19% reduction). It can be concluded that this open-source walker design can aid accessibility in low-resource settings. Full article